On Aug. 4, three landmines detonated on the southern section of the demilitarized zone, wounding two ROK soldiers on patrol duty. Seoul claimed that the mines had been deliberately planted by DPRK forces, but Pyongyang denied any involvement.
On Aug. 10, the ROK military resumed broadcasting its propaganda messages through loudspeakers, having been silence for the past 11 years, in retaliation for the landmine blast, which the DPRK condemned as "a declaration of war."
On Thursday, Seoul claimed that the DPRK fired a round of anti-artillery machine gun and three shells of 76.2-mm direct-fire weapon in the western border toward the ROK territory.
Pyongyang denied the South Korean military's accusation of shelling, and blasted Seoul for "fabricating" such an incident. And the ROK's military fired about dozens of warning shots into the DPRK territory as a counter action.
The KCNA reported on Friday that the DPRK's top leader, Kim Jong Un, had ordered his country's frontline forces to enter a state of war "to be fully battle ready to launch a strong military action unless South Korea stop its psychological warfare campaigns."
And the ROK also threatened stern retaliation against any further provocation. Seoul and Washington raised their joint reconnaissance position toward the DPRK to the second highest Saturday. South Korean forces remained on the highest alert.
WORRIED INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
Heightened tension in the peninsula has caused concerns from neighboring countries as well as the rest of international community.
China on Friday asked relevant parties to exercise restraint and prevent escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
"We urge relevant sides to maintain calm and restraint, properly deal with the current situation through contact and dialogue, and stop any action that could heighten tensions," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.
Bordering on the Korean Peninsula, China pays close attention to the peninsular situation and is deeply concerned about recent incidents, Hua said.
She said China resolutely safeguards regional peace and stability and opposes any action that could raise tensions.
"China is willing to work with all parties concerned for peace and stability of the peninsula," she said.8 In addition, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was deeply concerned by rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, a spokesperson for the Secretary-General said.
Ban has closely followed the reports of rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. He urged the parties to refrain from taking any further measures that might increase tensions, said Eri Kaneko, associate spokesperson for the UN chief.
"He also calls the parties to engage in dialogue to reduce tensions and to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," Kaneko said.
